IPL Photofacials for Sun-Damaged Skin: Sunspots Out Sweater Weather In
- Darlene Walchuk
- Oct 13
- 6 min read
As we watch the traces of summer disappear into the beautiful changing of fall leaves and autumn breezes, we find ourselves trading in iced frappacinos for warm pumpkin spice lattes and the realization that it’s time to shift our skincare routine. As tan lines start to fade, we’re left with a less-than-ideal complexion with sunspots and uneven skin tone.
Overexposure to UV rays is the primary reason people experience premature skin aging. From aptly named sunspots to actual melanoma skin cancer, and so much in between, too much time spent in the sun can be costly. Whether we like the cooler temps or not, autumn is the season for sun damage repair.
If you’ve noticed that this summer has left you with some unwanted spots, an IPL photofacial for sun-damaged skin may be just what you need.
What’s Photoaging and How Does it Relate to the Sun?
Photoaging refers to the premature aging of the skin resulting from excessive exposure to harmful UV rays. It causes:
● Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
● Forehead lines.
● Dull and uneven looking skintone
● Sunspots
● Rosacea
● Melanoma (Cancer)
Sun Salutations, Some Can Be Good
We’re not saying that you should avoid the sun entirely. There are loads of reasons to get out in the sun and catch a few rays (but not without your sunscreen):
It’s a great source of vitamin D, which you need for your bones and other body systems to work properly!
Basking in the sun can provide your brain with serotonin, a natural mood booster
Some of us love a tan, and a tan line
It connects you to the world and makes you feel warm; there is no better SAD lamp than the natural source itself
Be Sure to Protect Your Skin from the Sun Year-round…Lather Up the Sunscreen!
Sunscreen should be part of your beauty regimen year-round. It’s a preemptive strike against worrying about how to fade sunspots on your face. You should be particularly careful in the summer, but sun damage can occur at any time of year. Although SPF levels may change from season to season, the precautions remain the same.
Secret Faces Oakville retails fantastic products from AlumierMD, medical-grade skincare, including two kinds of sunscreen: Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42 and Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40. They are proactively protective and a great addition to any beauty routine.
Sun damage is real, so be sure to diligently wear sunscreen, or a hat to match that cute summer outfit, but take comfort in knowing that there are treatments to help correct the areas of your skin where the rays snuck through one too many times.
Can IPL Skin Rejuvenation Really Fix Sun Damage?
What do you do if you need to fade sunspots on your face? Is there such a thing as sun damage repair? Looking for a hyperpigmentation treatment? If you’ve got signs of photoaging, it’s time to book an IPL photofacial.
A photofacial is an Intense Pulsed Light Treatment that directs a high-intensity light pulse onto the skin, targeting skin anomalies and even hair growth if desired.
This procedure involves a handheld device that emits pulses of broad-spectrum light through direct contact with the skin. It acts on the deeper layers of skin, making it ideal for treating broken capillaries, sun damage, unwanted pigmentations, and other irregularities.
Some Commonly Asked Questions About Photofacials
What areas of the body can it treat?
The areas that the sun is most likely to hit like your face, décolletage, legs, hands, and arms.
Is an IPL photofacial Safe?
IPL-based technology is generally considered a safe procedure, as potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation is typically filtered by blocking wavelengths below 500 mm. There can be unwanted effects associated with the treatment. Nurse Darlene, Registered nurse and founder of Secret Faces, will take the time to review the treatment in detail and answer any questions you may have.
What’s the difference between IPL and Lasers?
IPL is a broad-spectrum, high-intensity light pulse applied to the skin, rather than a more invasive, precisely calibrated laser beam focused on a narrower, specific wavelength. An IPL machine can address a variety of skin conditions as well as hair removal, whereas lasers can only address one specific skin concern per machine.
Is there any downtime required after treatment?
No, unlike with laser treatment, where your face may blister, IPL photofacials don’t require downtime. You do need to heal, but you’ll likely only appear to be lightly sunburned or be giving post-cardio vibes.
How long does an IPL treatment take to heal?
Very occasionally, you may notice some bruising, which typically takes 1-2 weeks to heal. Freckles and age spots may look darker for 3-7 days
How often will I need to get treatments?
It varies person to person; however, treatments should be spaced out by a minimum of one month to support healing in the area.
When will I start to see a difference in my skin?
Most people see remarkable improvements in their complexion and skin clarity after just one session. To completely address your concerns, you may need more than one treatment.
What is a Lumecca™ IPL?
IPL photofacial with Lumecca™ by Inmode provides unparalleled results for our clients. This IPL photofacial device and treatment deliver up to three times more energy, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of your treatment by targeting a variety of lesions with fewer sessions.
Before, During & After an Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
The key to receiving the best results is being prepared at every step of the process.
What Do I Need to Do Before My IPL Photofacial Appointment?
Pre-treatment self-care is centred around minimizing potential side effects and maximizing benefits.
To start, we ask that you abstain from certain medications and vitamins that affect how your skin looks, or that have other effects on your body that won’t jive with a photofacial.
Including:
● Accutane – 6 months
● Blood-thinning medications, or medications that make it difficult for your blood to clot, or which are more likely to make you bleed (Aspirin/A.S.A., Aleve, ibuprofen) – 1 week
● Any form of Vitamin A acid, including retinoic acid, glycolic acid, tretinoin (Retin-A), and alpha-hydroxy acids – 60 days
If you have concerns about stopping any of these medications, please contact Nurse Darlene for personalized recommendations.
Also, try to avoid further damage to the area you wish to treat by wearing your SPF 30 full-spectrum sunscreen for at least four weeks prior to treatment! We’re looking to avoid issues such as sunburns, eczema, cold sores (a herpes outbreak), and inflammatory acne.
And finally, when you arrive at your session, be sure to have your sunscreen, moisturizer, and, if you wear contacts, a contact lens case and solution with you (you’ll need to remove them) before treatment starts.
What Happens During an IPL Photofacial
We promise it’s not scary! Here are the steps:
You get a cool pair of sunglasses to put on, to protect your eyes
Your skincare specialist cleans the area that will be treated.
Next, they will apply a cool gel to your skin.
Then the Lumecca IPL device is applied to the agreed-upon area(s). This is when you may feel some stinging, or, as some people describe it, it feels like being snapped by a rubber band.
Depending on the area of your body, the treatment typically lasts about 20-30 minutes.
It’s good to note that redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and subside within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours after treatment, you may notice a darkening of pigmented spots, such as freckles and age spots, but this’ll subside.
What Does IPL Photofacial Treatment Aftercare Look Like?
Your photofacial treatment doesn’t end in the office. Lumecca™ IPL skin rejuvenation works best when you follow the skin rejuvenation plan created with your aesthetician. So, remember:
Immediately After Treatment, You Should:
● Moisturize!
● Apply a 30SPF or higher full-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB)
● Avoid applying powder-based makeup or foundation. [but this kind of makeup applied this way is fine]
For the Next 48 Hours
● No hot baths or showers. Hot water should not come into contact with the treated area. Warm showers are fine.
● To avoid infection, refrain from engaging in exercise that produces perspiration for 48 hours.
For the Duration of Your Treatment, & 30 Days After Your Final Treatment
● Apply your full-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to the treated area every day
● Avoid the sun
● Don’t scratch or pick at the treated area
● Avoid using any form of Vitamin A acid for the duration of the treatment plan.
● No Accutane
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Time to Book Your IPL Photofacial with Secret Faces
GOOGLE: Photofacial near me Nurse Darlene at Secret Faces Oakville
Whether you're looking for age spot removal, sunspot treatment, or uneven skin tone correction, Lumecca™ IPL phototfacials are your ideal skincare solution. Achieve remarkable results with breakthrough technology and the expertise of an experienced provider, offering the ultimate solution to rejuvenate your skin.
Secret Faces Oakville is your neighbourhood aesthetics boutique that specializes in Botox®, Dysport, Dermal Fillers, non-invasive injectables, hair loss treatment, and medical-grade products and services, all backed by a Registered Nurse.
The best part?
Our results are so natural…you can keep them a secret.